- Rugby Australia offers NRL star Angus Crichton a $1.6 million deal following Wallabies’ World Cup defeat.
- ARLC Chairman Peter V’landys humorously dismisses the idea of NRL buying out RA.
- Former NSW coach Laurie Daley suggests NRL and RA collaboration to combat AFL’s rising popularity.
- Crichton, with a history in rugby union, remains a top target for RA amidst their rebuilding strategies.
- Wallabies’ underwhelming World Cup performance calls for internal evaluations and grassroots investment.
In a move following the Wallabies’ record World Cup loss to Wales, Rugby Australia (RA) extends a $1.6 million offer to NRL sensation Angus Crichton, sparking debates within the rugby community.
ARLC Chairman’s Remarks
ARLC Chairman Peter V’landys, while responding to the possibility of NRL acquiring Rugby Australia, humorously remarked on the Big Sports Breakfast,
“Well, the first rule in business is that you always buy an asset, not a liability.”
His comments come after former NSW coach Laurie Daley suggested that NRL should buy out RA to combine strengths and combat the rising influence of AFL.
Angus Crichton has reportedly been offered a two-year contract to join rugby union worth $1.6 million.
— bet365 AUS (@bet365_aus) September 28, 2023
He would have to join the Western Force immediately.
Good move?🤔 pic.twitter.com/QHGb9ghNRx
The Pitch for Crichton
With criticism surrounding Rugby Australia after a lackluster World Cup campaign, the organization has approached Angus Crichton with a lucrative offer to transition to the 15-man code. This two-year deal, targeting 2024 and 2025, proposes a collaboration between the RA governing body and the Super Rugby franchise, the Western Force.
While Crichton currently plays for the Roosters, he initially rose to fame in high school rugby. A former Australian schoolboy and first XV player at the elite Sydney private school, Scots College, Crichton’s potential return to rugby union has long been speculated.
Hamish McLennan, RA Chairman, after successfully signing Joseph Suaalii earlier in the year, has been transparent about wanting both Crichton and South Sydney captain Cameron Murray. Although Murray has committed to the Rabbitohs till 2028, RA remains hopeful about Crichton.
Fan Concerns
Many rugby fans question RA’s decision to invest heavily in cross-code players, while the Wallabies’ World Cup performance calls for investments in grassroots and pathway programs.
The Wallabies faced severe backlash after their World Cup performance, marked by shocking losses to Fiji and Wales. Calls for a change in leadership and strategy have dominated discussions, emphasizing a need for internal evaluations over recruiting high-profile players.
BREAKING
— TheRugbyColumn (@therugbycolumn) September 28, 2023
Rugby Australia never learn do they? Never 😢https://t.co/c9CjLSGvzG
So let me get this right. RA says it can’t afford to fund a third tier competition to develop players, but can drop close to $7 million on two blokes who never wanted to play rugby in the first place. Who is making these decisions? https://t.co/ndzapr7aLw
— The Rugby Wrap (@rugby_wrap) September 28, 2023
Rugby Australia table $1.6m deal to NRL star Angus Crichton https://t.co/OFLCpnj5AU pic.twitter.com/6cZYTQ8PDh
— Riaan Louw (@Ringo26) September 28, 2023
Rugby Australia turning to Angus Crichton to fix the mess ia the equivalent of them taking the pin out of a grenade and then throwing the pin.
— CAPEL (@laurencecapel) September 28, 2023
Nothing against Crichton either, more so RA and this being their best idea. https://t.co/wlWB7I3rJJ
As the rugby landscape sees potential significant changes, the focus remains split between strengthening internal structures for RA and their aggressive recruitment strategies.
